Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: linked brakes..., linked, brake

Question
Pat..I have just purchased your latest book...I am digesting it..Yours were the first books I read,before I purchased my first bike in '06.I also last week bought a "new" 2008 VFR with full GIVI bags and a top case.I went practicing...slow sharp turns using my back brake...then someone mentioned that perhaps that technique is not as effective if the brakes are linked....like my VFR'r are....your thoughts please....Sincerely Patt. M. Loo

Answer
Pat you are correct. Linked brakes limit our ability to use the rear brake for low speed control.

I was taking a course once, a civilian police motor course where we learn that cool low speed stuff, and they kept encouraging us to drag the rear brake for control in low speed turns. So I tried it. On my 2000 VFR with linked brakes.

I promptly dropped my bike, on the first try. First time it had ever been over while I was sitting on it. Embarrassing!

On the VFR the technique is to feather the heck out of the clutch instead.

Nice to hear from you. Ride safe.

P